Special Duck Hunting Season Arrives In Louisiana With New Permit Requirements

(KMDL-FM) Lovers of duck hunting in Louisiana, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has an early fall gift for you. It is a special 9-day duck hunting season. This season will run from Saturday, October 3rd to October 11th. The special season has been opened to allow for the harvest of Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks.

Two black-bellied whistling ducks are perched

If you've ever seen one of these ducks, you know they come by their names, honestly. The body of the bird is usually a rich chestnut or brownish color. The belly of the duck is black, as the name would lead you to believe; the face and neck are gray. When the birds are in flight, you might notice a striking white patch on the wings.

The bill of the bird is bright pink; some might say red, and all would say very long. The legs look pinkish to me, but I am probably not the best judge of colors. Oh, and the whistling. Yeah, they whistle; you'll notice it when you hear them. Ok it's more of a high-pitched whistling sound. You can hear a Black-Bellied Whistling Duck here. 

How To Get a Hunting Permit for Louisiana Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Season

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife has issued guidance on the special season. There is a daily bag limit of four with a possession limit of twelve. Hunters who would like to participate in the season will need a permit. The Free Black-Bellied Whisling Duck Hunting Permit is available via the link.

READ MORE: 8 Deer Illegally Harvested - Louisiana Man Facing Charges

Reporting requirements, as specified by LDWF, require hunters to report effort and harvest within 15 days of the season's closure. LDWF, in its press release, did specifically mention that shooting hours will be from sunrise to sunset. That is different from standard shooting hours for regular duck, teal, and goose seasons, which allow shooting at one half hour before sunrise until sunset.

the sun is setting over a swamp filled with birds

All normal hunting license requirements and regulations will be applicable during this special season. You'll want to make sure you're up on your federal stamps and HIP registration. LDWF also suggests that you take some time before this weekend to refamiliarize yourself with the species.

LDWF Issues Important Warning For Louisiana Hunters

Only Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks will be legal to harvest during this special season. You don't want legal problems as a result of your hunting experience. For more information on specific requirements, rules, or changes to rules for this season, you may visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife site.

READ MORE: Agents Bust 3 In St. Martin and St. Mary For Illegal Alligator Hunt

In addition to this special duck season, there are other things happening in October. Here are some suggestions, some for this weekend, some for later in the month.